Buganda Kingdom, through its Ministry of Culture, has embarked on a significant cultural heritage assessment tour across key traditional sites in Ssese County.
The initiative, led by Prince Luwangula Basajjansolo, Chairperson of the Heritage Committee in the Ministry of Culture, represented the Minister for Culture, Anthony Wamala. He was accompanied by the Kingdom’s Cultural Coordinator, Boney Patrick Sseruwagi.
During the tour, the County Cheif of Ssese Kwebwa County Augustine Kasirye expressed his deep appreciation to the Kingdom for prioritizing the restoration, preservation, and protection of cultural heritage sites within Ssese County. He pledged his full support toward ensuring the success of the initiative.
In his remarks, Prince Luwangula emphasized that the Kingdom has comprehensive plans for the development and safeguarding of these heritage sites, which he described as highly significant. He acknowledged ongoing challenges affecting the sites, including land grabbing, leadership conflicts, and the erosion of cultural values.
“The Kingdom cannot allow these sites to be destroyed and will do everything possible to ensure they are rescued, protected, and developed,” he said.
Prince Luwangula reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm commitment to preserving these important cultural locations for future generations.
Among the notable sites visited were the historic palace of Kabaka Kato Ssemusulo located at Kitinda in Bukasa, and the Gugu cultural site in Bubembe. These sites are considered vital to the cultural and historical identity of the Buganda Kingdom.
The assessment exercise is scheduled to run for two days and will cover several additional cultural heritage sites across the Ssese Islands.
